Amanda Maldonado, a 38-year-old woman from Orange Cove, dies in fatal car crash
Fatal Orange Cove car crash death of full name of deceased victim Amanda Maldonado
The Orange Cove Police Department and the Fresno County Coroner’s Office have officially identified the individual killed in a collision while cycling. The victim is identified as Amanda Maldonado, who was 38 years old.
According to reports received around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, law enforcement personnel were dispatched to Adams Avenue, located just east of Cove Avenue. The incident involved a cyclist and a vehicle.
California Highway Patrol officers stated that 41-year-old Rafaela Cruz, from Orosi, is being held on suspicion of the hit-and-run. Initial findings by investigators suggest Amanda Maldonado was traveling west on Adams Avenue on her bicycle when Cruz’s red Chevrolet Silverado 1500 collided with her from behind.
Cruz, still in her 40s, fled the scene of the accident without stopping or contacting emergency services. The coroner’s office reported that Ms. Maldonado passed away at the scene due to the injuries she sustained.
Additionally, authorities noted that Ms. Maldonado’s bicycle was reportedly dragged for approximately 120 feet after the impact. However, medical examiners indicated that the cyclist did not appear to be dragged.
It was also mentioned that the cyclist was not wearing protective headgear during the accident, but she was using a portable light to enhance her visibility.
Rafaela Cruz eventually came to the Orange Cove Police Department to turn herself in. She was subsequently taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol.
Cruz has been formally processed and is now awaiting further proceedings at the Fresno County Jail.
